Belgian Monarch. Born Christian Friedrich Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, he was the first King of the Belgians from 1831 until 1865. After a brilliant military career in the Russian army during the Napoleonic wars, he was elevated to the rank of Marshal of Russia. In 1831, he accepted the Crown of Belgium, offered by the National Assembly of this new independent nation. He is known for his diplomatic ability and for being the political adviser of his niece, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.Belgian Monarch. (bio by: Lucy Caldarelli)